SURF Life Savers are taking a well earned break this week after wrapping up a big fortnight on duty.
During the period between Saturday December 20 and Sunday January 4, local surf life saving clubs fielded voluntary beach patrols on nine of these 16 days, including patrols on the Christmas Day, Boxing Day and New Years Day public holidays.
While the favourable weather and sea conditions made their job a little bit easier, big crowds kept patrolling members on their toes and made for some very hectic times. Some experienced surf club identifies have remarked that this summer appears to have been the busiest in recent memory, with an estimated 30,000 people visiting the six Lower North Coast Branch beaches throughout the festive fortnight period.
Surf lifesavers have been very active this season, embarking on an intensive public relations campaign on the beaches which has so far been paying dividends, with rescues being kept to a minimum.
“Our surf lifesavers have been talking to hundreds of people informing them about water safety and taking what are called ‘preventative actions,’ which are aimed at stopping people getting into trouble in the first place,” Lower North Coast branch director of lifesaving, Julie Wilcox said.
“This can involve anything from directing swimmers back between the flags, to giving people information about rips or tides.”
Surf lifesavers praised beach goers for using their common sense and assisting them by following calls to swim between the flags.
The majority of people heeded the advice and sought out patrolled beaches, and it was fortunate for many that they did, as surf lifesavers performed 38 rescues, treated 14 people with first aid for a variety of injuries, and performed 787 preventative actions.
While the statistics from the Christmas to New Year period and the fact that no lives were lost between the flags show that the swimming public are listening to the surf safety messages, it is always worth reminding beach goers to remember and follow the key surf safety tips, like;
* Always swim at a patrolled beach, and in between the red and yellow flags
* Read and obey the instructions on any safety or information signage
* Ask a Life Saver or Lifeguard for advice if you are unsure of the conditions
* Always swim with a friend, under supervision or near other people
* Stick your hand up if you get into trouble and need any assistance
The favourable weather and sea conditions that have contributed to the safe start to the holidays are forecast to continue for the immediate future, even so, beach users are advised to be careful all the same.
“It is surprising just how much inshore water movement there is, even on fairly calm days”. Wilcox remarked.
“Even on days where the waves are only small there are still rips and currents which can be dangerous, especially for young children, the elderly and inexperienced swimmers.”
Volunteer beach patrols continue on Saturdays, Sundays and public holidays at Crowdy Head, Old Bar and Black Head until the end of the autumn school holidays, while lfeguards contracted by the Greater Taree City Council will patrol those three beaches mid week each day until the end of the summer school holiday period.
Surf safety tip of the week:
It is very important to be sun smart whilst outside and this is especially the case when you are at the beach. It’s pretty easy, all you have to do is remember the 5 S’s, which are - Slip on a shirt, Slop on some 30+ sunscreen, Slap on a hat, Slide on some sun glasses to protect your eyes and Seek out some shade.
The sun is strongest between 11am and 2pm, so be especially careful during these hours.
It’s worth noting that it is just as important to be sun smart even on overcast days, as the harmful UV rays from the sun still penetrate the clouds and will cause damage to your skin if unprotected.